Manager, Process Improvement Engineers in Elkhorn, Wisconsin at READER PRECISION SOLUTIONS

The Process Improvement Engineering Manager at Reader Precision Solutions is responsible for leading and managing the Process Improvement Engineering team while owning the execution of process optimization projects across machining and manufacturing operations.

This role provides leadership for process improvement initiatives focused specifically on machining efficiency, cycle time reduction, process stability, and production quality within manufacturing operations. This individual will prioritize and oversee optimization projects, provide technical guidance to the Process Improvement Engineer team, and collaborate with Engineering, Production, and Quality to implement sustainable process enhancements. This is a hands-on leadership position combining team development, project execution, and manufacturing process enhancements.

Salary: $130,000 - $145,000 annually

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and support the Process Improvement Engineer team in daily activities and long-term growth.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and development plans to strengthen technical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ensure engineers are aligned with organizational priorities and improvement standards.

Project Ownership & Execution

• Own the project management function for all process improvement initiatives, including scope, timeline, resources, and deliverables.
• Prioritize projects based on business impact, production needs, quality concerns, and capacity constraints.
• Track and report progress, results, and ROI of improvement efforts.

Process Optimization & Manufacturing Excellence

• Oversee machining process analysis to identify inefficiencies, instability, or waste.
• Drive improvements in cycle time reduction, tooling performance, workflow optimization, and product consistency.
• Support initial part prove-outs and ensure effective process validation prior to full production release.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Applications Engineers on tooling strategies, programming enhancements, and cutting methodology improvements.
• Work closely with machinists, production leaders, and quality teams to troubleshoot issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Initiatives

• Champion lean manufacturing principles, including waste elimination, standard work, and workflow optimization.
• Lead root cause analysis efforts and ensure corrective actions prevent recurring manufacturing problems.

Documentation & Standardization

• Ensure the team develops and maintains work instructions, SOPs, and best practice documentation.
• Establish consistent engineering standards for repeatable, high-quality manufacturing output.

Other Responsibilities

• Support strategic manufacturing excellence initiatives as assigned by Engineering leadership.
• Foster a culture of innovation, empowerment, integrity, and respect consistent with RPS core pillars.
  
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent years of experience.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, CNC machining, or process improvement environments.
• 2+ years of leadership, mentorship, or project management experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining principles, tooling concepts, and production workflows.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (Autodesk Inventor, PartMaker, Esprit, or similar) is ideal.
• Experience with GD&T, blueprint interpretation, and shop mathematics.

Leadership & Professional Skills

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication skills across all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive sustainable change.
• Highly organized with strong project execution discipline.

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time, salaried exempt position. Workload demands may occasionally require extended hours (45+ hours/week) to meet business and production needs. Flexibility is provided to support work-life balance.

Benefits & perks of joining the Reader Precision Solutions team include:

RPS team members enjoy a challenging & fast-paced work environment in a high-tech manufacturing facility named the 35th & 37th Annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year. Our work environment is extremely clean, well lit, organized (5S), & climate-controlled. In addition, our team thrives in a supportive culture that provides engaged leadership, ongoing recognition for performance results, & a great benefits package.

• Competitive wages (paid weekly on Thursday's)
• 8% of base pay shift differential (2nd & 3rd shift)
• Benefits begin the month following 30 days of employment: health insurance with points based, holistic wellness program, dental, life, & disability insurance
• Partnership with a near site local clinic for FREE health services including primary & preventative care, walk in visits, labs, prescriptions, etc.
• FREE vision insurance!
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with up to 4.5% company match (immediately vested!)
• Vacation accrual starts upon hire - accrue up to 2.5 weeks in first year!
• 9 paid holidays with up to two discretionary holidays each year
• Education assistance up to $5,250 annually (after 12 months of service)
• Professional development opportunities – internal & external (cross-departmental training, PMPA conferences, IMTS-Chicago, local technical colleges/universities, & more…)
• Career advancement – ongoing training & mentoring with opportunity to grow your skills
• Performance bonus – potential to receive a discretionary year-end bonus based on individual and group performance
• Company paid Short-Term Disability policy
• Company events – team lunches, summer picnic event, holiday party
• Company zoo pass to Milwaukee County Zoo
• Voluntary pet insurance
• Holistic wellness program – earn up to $700 in incentives through points accumulation for accomplishing a variety of wellness activities. Also offered by the Company are employer paid onsite flu shots, biometric screenings, free health coaching & MUCH more!
• Employer paid life insurance – $50,000 policy with options for voluntary life up to $400,000 benefit maximum
• Financial planning resources & onsite financial wellness workshops
• Employer subsidized work shoes & safety glasses program
• Reader Precision Solutions branded attire – $100 annual allowance
• Employee Referral bonus – $1,000
• Satisfying work…leaving work at the end of the day knowing that the GREAT work you do is meaningful and appreciated by the Company, our clients, and end users who benefit from the high-quality components we manufacture for them!

Reader Precision Solutions Four Pillars: Innovation, Empowerment, Integrity & Respect

· Innovation – we apply creative solutions to exceed expectations internally and externally. We deliver creative solutions by pursuing continuous improvement, challenging the limits of conventional thinking to drive positive change, and engaging our clients to achieve synergy.

· Empowerment – we equip our employees to succeed. We nurture success by setting realistic goals and standards; with accountability and regular performance feedback, providing training opportunities for growth and learning and offering employees a safe and modern work environment.

· Integrity – our reputation is everything. We preserve and enhance our reputation by operating with the highest ethical standards, focusing on client needs, and contributing positively to our community and environment.

· Respect – we act with honor in all our interactions. In our interactions, we accept and value individual differences, work together with a positive attitude and promote open and honest communication in a team-based environment.